The first numbers on the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro show that Americans are cautiously supportive, according to new Reuters/Ipsos poll.
By The Numbers:
Thirty-three percent of Americans approve of the U.S. military action to remove Maduro, including 65% of Republicans, 11% of Democrats, and 23% of “other” party-affiliated Americans. Thirty-four percent of Americans do not approve of the action, including 6% of Republicans, 65% of Democrats, and 35% of “other.”
Americans are worried, however, as 72% of Americans are concerned “the U.S. will get too involved in Venezuela.” That includes 54% of Republicans, 90% of Democrats, and 74% of other. Twenty-five percent of Americans are not concerned the country will get too involved, including 45% of Americans, 9% of Democrats, and 19% of other.
One caveat to these numbers is that many Americans (33%) are unaware or don’t know enough to have a strong opinion, including 29% of Republicans, 25% of Democrats, and 42% of other.
The Bottom Line: President Donald Trump is seeing a slight “rally around the flag” bump in his numbers, with his approval rising to 42%, the highest since last October in this poll. As Secretary of State Marco Rubio and others have eloquently explained, removing Maduro was necessary and a success for the country and world. These numbers warn, however, that Americans are anxiously anticipating Act II. How the Administration handles the next phase in Venezuela and/or potential action in other countries will have a significant impact on the direction of public opinion.
